San Francisco 49ers news, rumors and injuries

San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has impressed his teammates this offseason by improving the touch on his passes. FS Eric Reid said he's optimistic about how Kaepernick will do this year, especially with the touch he's seen on deep throws.

Fantasy Tip: If Kaepernick can be more accurate on his deep passes, the 49ers could certainly be a more dangerous offense, especially with new deep threat Torrey Smith. San Francisco may also try to use the running backs more in the passing game, which could aid Kaepernick in his accuracy. Still, Kaepernick should not be drafted as your starting quarterback.

San Francisco 49ers LB NaVorro Bowman (knee) passed his conditioning test Friday, July 31, and will be able to participate in practice Aug. 1. Bowman will wear a brace during practice to protect his surgically repaired knee.

Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde is not believed to be injured and shouldn't be on the non-football injury list for long. Hyde suffered a calf injury during spring drills, but it's not expected to be an issue.

San Francisco 49ers WR Bruce Ellington (hamstring) sat out most of the 2014 season due to injury but a video posted to his Instagram account Tuesday, July 21, makes it seems he's ready to go for the 2015 season.

Fantasy Tip: Ellington appeared in 13 games last season, but he hauled in just six receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Ellington also ran for a touchdown, and he could provide a surprise boost to the 49ers passing game this season.

San Francisco 49ers RB Kendall Hunter has looked good this offseason as the 49ers ready for training camp. Hunter suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament last season, but has had an impressive offseason. Head coach Jim Tomsula said Hunter is coming along well and moving quickly, but that the coaching staff is keeping him on a snap count for now.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith called the San Francisco 49ers offseason overhaul "crazy" Tuesday, July 14. "You knew some of that wasn't going to last forever," Smith said, per Cam Inman of The Mercury News. "We weren't going to be able to hold it all together from a cap standpoint and the years standpoint. You knew that was going to change," said Smith.

Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers DE Ray McDonald is facing charges of misdemeanor domestic violence, child endangerment and violating a court order to stay away from the victim. These charges are in addition to his previous charge of felony false imprisonment stemming from a domestic violence incident. McDonald's arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, July 16.